Topic Contents

Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Barlow Syndrome

Mitral Click-Murmur Syndrome

Mitral Leaflet Syndrome

MVPS

Billowing Mitral Leaflet Syndrome

Click-Murmur Syndrome

Floppy Valve Syndrome

MVP

Systolic Click-Murmur Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

The mitral valve is the valve between the left upper and left lower chambers (left atrium and left ventricle) of the heart. Mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVP) is a common condition in which one or both of the flaps (cusps) of the mitral valve bulge or collapse backward (prolapse) into the left atrium during ventricular contraction (systole). In some cases, this may allow leakage or the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle back into the left atrium (mitral regurgitation).

The exact underlying mechanism responsible for MVP remains unknown. In many affected individuals, the condition appears to occur in the absence of an associated disorder or syndrome (idiopathic). Evidence indicates that the condition is sometimes familial, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance. In other cases, MVP occurs in association with certain inherited connective tissue diseases, other heart abnormalities, or other underlying conditions, disorders, or syndromes.

In many individuals with MVP, no associated symptoms are apparent (asymptomatic). However, in other cases, the condition may result in chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), fatigue, dizziness, and/or other symptoms and signs. MVP is often associated with a characteristic click and/or a subsequent delayed murmur that may be detected through use of a stethoscope during physical examination.

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

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